This letter was written on Chandler’s arrival in San Francisco by boat. Chandler recounted the circumstances of his journey, the food, and the differences between cabin fare and steerage fare, and the “very bad” circumstances of deck passengers....

Jane Chandler writes about health of family and acquaintances. She writes about her financial circumstances and what led her to go to work in Lowell’s mills. Speaking of her financial situation, she writes, “I am as willing to work for a living as...